A native of Termoli, Italy, Luca began playing violin and piano at the age of 8 - by age 12 he was studying classical music at the conservatory and exploring jazz on his own. He received the Diploma di Violino in 1993, and then studied violin and chamber music at the European Community's Music School of Saluzzo. In 1996 Luca moved to the United States to pursue a Master's degree in violin performance at Indiana University, where he also studied improvisation with David Baker.

Currently a violin teacher at the University of Arizona, Luca acknowledges Mark Rush and Antonio Salvatore as his violin mentors, and Michael Lucas, Jeff Haskell and David Baker as important influences in jazz and piano.

The winner of a variety of significant competitions and awards in Italy and the United States, Luca has also received, in collaboration with pianists Sean Schulze, the prestigious Chamber Music America 1999/2000 Residency Program Award.

His first solo CD, "sister classical & brother jazz" has been released in August 2000 by the Italian label Bajka Music (Rome).

Reviews

"Magical interpretation. . . (he) is totally engaged with the instruments. . . "

El Imparcial (Mexico)
 

"Original mix. . .his music takes you on an emotional musical journey."

La Provincia (Italy)
 

"Today Safford, tomorrow Carnegie Hall. . ."

James Reel, Tucson Weekly
 

". . . Ciarla delivers intense emotions with his violin and piano . . ."

Fiammetta Facchini, Sorabarocco Festival (Italy)
 

"…passionate… giving soul to the strings….enormous capacity for jazz improvisation on piano…"

Nuovo Molise (Italy)
 

"…one of the most recognized and eclectic Italian artists. . . very original concert for (both) repertoire and versatility. . ."

Ciociaria Oggi (Italy)
 

". . . I have had the opportunity to hear some of his performances. I constantly admire his virtuosity and fine musicianship . . ."

Franco Gulli, Concert Violinist

Contact details and further information

E-mail Luca Ciarla

For further details, see Luca Ciarla